A place we chose after testing it ourselves in Maspalomas. Open each entry for details and useful links to help plan your visit. This selection grows with the content we publish.
Maspalomas is one of Europe's best-known LGBTQ+ destinations. The south, around Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, is where you'll find most gay-friendly bars, clubs and places to stay. Yumbo Centre is the main meeting point, and the atmosphere changes considerably from afternoon to late at night.
There's also the famous gay beach at Maspalomas, near the dunes. The island hosts several LGBTQ+ events during the year, including Maspalomas Pride and Winter Pride. You don't need to visit during a festival to enjoy the atmosphere, but those dates are worth checking if you love a party.
Maspalomas has a bus network, known locally as guaguas, connecting the main towns and resorts. Public transport can be enough if you're staying around Maspalomas or heading to Las Palmas.
But there's much more to the island than beaches. A car is far more convenient for reaching mountain villages, inland landscapes and some secluded coves. Roads can be winding, and journeys often take longer than expected. Plan fewer stops and take the time to enjoy them.
Maspalomas enjoys pleasant temperatures for much of the year, which makes Maspalomas an option even in winter. The south is generally drier and sunnier than the north.
The island has several microclimates, though. It can be sunny on the beach and much cooler in the mountains, especially around Tejeda and Roque Nublo. If you're exploring inland, bring a jacket and check the forecast for the exact area, not just Maspalomas.
Maspalomas is part of Spain, so the currency is the euro. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in tourist areas. You can usually travel without carrying much cash.
Still, keep a few notes for a coffee, a market or a small local business. And if a payment terminal offers to convert the amount into your card's home currency, it's generally better to pay in euros and let your bank handle the conversion.
Where you stay really shapes your trip. Playa del Inglés is especially handy if you want to enjoy Yumbo's bars, restaurants and nightlife without taking a taxi every evening. You'll also find plenty of accommodation catering to LGBTQ+ travellers.
For a quieter atmosphere, Meloneras is a good alternative, with its seafront promenade and hotels. The key is to choose the area that suits the kind of trip you have in mind, because these places offer very different experiences.
Before buying an eSIM, check what's included in your mobile plan. Maspalomas is part of Spain, and many plans include roaming in the Canary Islands, sometimes with a data limit. Check your provider's terms before leaving.
If your plan doesn't cover the island, Airalo lets you install an eSIM before your trip and get connected when you arrive. For a longer stay or heavier data use, compare local offers from Movistar, Orange and Vodafone too.
Coverage is generally good in tourist areas but can vary in the mountains and more remote spots. Downloading an offline map before a day of exploring is still a good idea.
Located near Yumbo Centrum in Maspalomas, Allende 22º serves Spanish and international cuisine with a varied menu of tapas, meat, fish and sharing dishes. The restaurant also has a bar where you can simply stop for a drink or cocktail.
Read the full recommendationAvenida de Tirajana 36, Playa del Inglés, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, Spain
“Hey, isn't it Aperol o'clock?” It's around 3 p.m., and Matthieu has just officially called off our alcohol break. One small detail: we're still climbing uphill on the way back from Güigüí Beach in Gran Canaria. We've got another forty minutes of hiking before we reach the car, followed by almost an hour's drive back to Maspalomas. That Aperol Spritz will…
Yes, Maspalomas is worth visiting if you want a holiday combining beaches, relaxation, excursions and nightlife. The dunes, coastline and opportunities to explore Gran Canaria make it easy to vary your days without changing accommodation repeatedly. We have returned nearly five times, partly for the freedom to enjoy a holiday without a packed schedule and for its LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
We think a week in Maspalomas is a good amount of time to enjoy the destination without rushing. It leaves room for several beach days, exploring the dunes and visiting other parts of Gran Canaria. That is what we appreciate about our stays: alternating outings with downtime without feeling we have to fill every day.
Yes, Maspalomas is particularly appealing for a gay holiday thanks to its beaches, men-only accommodation and nightlife around the Yumbo Center. We meet visitors of different ages and nationalities, with a highly visible LGBTQ+ community. As a gay couple, we have always felt especially comfortable in the places we visited. That is one reason we keep returning.
Maspalomas can be visited year-round thanks to the generally mild climate in southern Gran Canaria, but we would favour May, June, September or October for combining beaches and excursions. Bear in mind the island’s microclimates: the south is often drier and sunnier, while the north and mountains can have very different conditions. We saw this in Agaete, where the sky turned grey while Maspalomas was sunny. We recommend checking the forecast for the exact area you plan to explore, not just Maspalomas.
Around the Yumbo Center in Playa del Inglés, there is a wide variety of restaurants for every taste: Spanish, Italian, Asian and international food, plus quick bites. There is plenty of choice within a ten-minute walk, without needing a car. We particularly enjoyed Allende 22º and its rice dishes, including black rice.